By Gerrie Russell
Friday, Sept. 2 at 1:30 p.m.—RUTLAND—James H. Douglas, former governor of Vermont and current Executive in Residence at Middlebury College, will kick off the fall semester of the Osher Life Long Learning Institute on Friday, Sept. 2 with a discussion of the decline in civil discourse between our political parties.
This is the first lecture in a series called “This Political Season.” Tracy Griffith, an associate professor at St. Michaels College, will present “Dirty Tricks: Media Manipulation During Elections” on Friday, Sept. 9. The third lecture in this series, Sept. 16, will feature Lars Nelson, adjunct professor of political science and history at Norwich University. He will discuss “The Roots of the American Political System” addressing how the founders struggled with many of the same issues as our present day leaders. Eric L. Davis, professor emeritus of political science at Middlebury College, will speak on Friday, Sept. 23, to discuss the campaigns for state offices and the impact of the national presidential scene on Vermont. He will also address the issues facing the new governor and legislature in 2017.
October will begin a series on “Topics of the Day,” including “The Challenge of Combining
Work and Family” since both parents are in the workforce in 70 percent of Vermont families. Former Governor Madeleine Kunin will speak to these issues since they have been on her agenda her entire political career. “Customs and Borders: Protecting Our Homeland” is paramount in the minds of Americans worried about the threat of terrorism and will be addressed by Elizabeth A. Carter.
Dr. Alis Headlam is a compassionate promoter of racial unity and the oneness of humankind and will present her views in a lecture entitled “We Are One Rutland.” The last lecture in October will feature Brian Kilcullen, Rutland’s Chief of Police. Besides crime and traffic safety, Chief Kilcullen will explain his department’s progress in dealing with heroin, a major issue which drives a significant amount of property crime.
November is a “Variety Series” touching on travel, the art of suspense, communication with man’s best friend and Vermont’s musical ladies.
The Osher lectures are part of the Osher Life Long Learning Institute affiliated with the University of Vermont. It is run by a Board of Directors comprised of local residents who work year round to decide on topics and bring local experts from the surrounding areas to share their expertise. Lectures are held on Fridays from 1:30 to 3 p.m. at the Godnick Center, 1 Deer Street in Rutland.
Purchase of a $40 membership includes all 12 lectures including lectures at other Vermont Osher programs such as Brattleboro, Montpelier/Barre, Stowe, Springfield, St. Albans and St. Johnsbury. Walk-ins are accommodated for $5 per lecture.
For more information, call Gerrie Russell at 802-422-2921.